| LVC Campus Encouraged to Upcycle with TerraCycle |
08.07.12 |
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A new initiative by LVC’s Sustainability Committee provides a unique way to upcycle products typically thrown away on campus. TerraCycle creates collection and solution programs for non-recyclable waste, and will be rolled out on campus in time for move in day.
Residential Life area coordinator Michael Schoch is spearheading the TerraCycle effort on campus, along with his “green team” of resident assistants, building representatives, and Sustainability Committee members.
“The TerraCycle project is another opportunity for LVC to continue to become as sustainable as possible, Schoch said. “It is the team’s hope that we can reduce waste on campus by educating our community about new items that can be upcycled instead of being thrown into general waste. In turn, by simply changing behavior, we will be able to collect points/money and send them off to charities.”
Schoch has prior experience with a successful TerraCycle program. During his graduate studies at Millersville University he worked closely with a professor to implement upcyling within a residence hall on campus. “It is my hope to include and encourage the LVC campus community to get involved and contribute to a more sustainable society.”
TerraCycle items are sorted by “brigades” to segregate specific items for future upcycling. These brigades collect flip flops, Frito-Lay chip bags, Colgate toothbrushes and toothpaste tubes, Kashi packaging, Clif Bar and Odwalla energy bar and candy bar wrappers, ink cartridges, and empty drink pouches. These products are upcycled into unique items like patio pavers, clip boards, tote bags, aprons, and soap dispensers.
TerraCycle not only upcycles the previously non-recyclable items, but also awards points for the items sent in. These points are converted to a cash contribution for a local non-profit organization, selected by Schoch and his team of volunteers.
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